Which statement best distinguishes somatic mutations from germline mutations?

• A. Somatic mutations are inherited.
• B. Germline mutations occur in body cells and are not inherited.
• C. Somatic mutations occur in body cells and are not inherited; germline mutations occur in reproductive cells and can be passed to offspring.
• D. Germline mutations arise only in plants.

Answer: (C)

Mutations in different cell types behave differently in terms inheritance. Somatic mutations happen in body (non-reproductive) cells and affect only the individual. They are not passed to offspring because they aren’t present in the gametes. Germline mutations occur in reproductive cells (gametes) or in the earliest cells that give rise to gametes, so the mutation is in every cell of the offspring and can be passed to future generations. That’s why the statement that somatic mutations occur in body cells and are not inherited; germline mutations occur in reproductive cells and can be passed to offspring best captures the distinction. The other options misstate where the mutation occurs or its heritability.